Patient Preparation

Pre-operative instructions to help ensure the safest, most successful outcome.

These are general pre-operative guidelines. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions that take priority. Follow their instructions exactly.

Eating & Drinking

Nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your procedure, unless instructed otherwise. This includes water, coffee, gum, and hard candy.
  • ✓Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight (unless specifically told otherwise)
  • ✓You may take essential medications with a small sip of water — confirm with your anesthesiologist
  • ✓No alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure

Medications

Most medications should be continued. The following require special instructions — confirm each with your surgeon:

Medication Type Examples Typical Instruction
Blood thinners (anticoagulants) Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa May need to stop 3–7 days before — confirm with surgeon
Antiplatelet agents Aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Brilinta May need to stop 5–7 days before — confirm with surgeon
Diabetes medications Metformin, insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro Dosing adjustment required — confirm with surgeon
NSAIDs / anti-inflammatories Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex Usually stopped 5–7 days before — confirm with surgeon
All other medications Blood pressure, thyroid, heart, etc. Generally take as usual with a small sip of water

Night Before Surgery

  • ✓Shower or bathe with regular soap
  • ✓Do NOT apply lotion, deodorant, nail polish, perfume, or makeup
  • ✓Remove nail polish from all fingers and toes (required for pulse oximetry)
  • ✓Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
  • ✓Lay out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the next day
  • ✓Confirm your ride and arrival time

Day of Surgery

  • ✓Arrive at your scheduled pre-op time (typically 1–2 hours before your procedure)
  • ✓Bring your photo ID and insurance card
  • ✓Bring a current list of all medications
  • ✓Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (you will change into a surgical gown)
  • ✓Do NOT wear contacts — bring your glasses case
  • ✓Remove piercings and leave jewelry at home

Transportation

You CANNOT drive yourself home after anesthesia or sedation. A responsible adult must drive you and stay with you for 24 hours. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are acceptable only if a responsible adult accompanies you and stays with you after.